Wigan and Leigh Housing adds Armed Forces status question to housing application form

August 7, 2026

Housing providers may not always be able to identify members of the Armed Forces community.

What was the situation?

Housing providers need to understand which people accessing their services are members of the Armed Forces community, so they can identify their needs and provide appropriate support. However, members of the Armed Forces community were not always being identified through housing application processes.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Members of the Armed Forces community can face specific housing challenges as a result of Service, such as not meeting ‘local connection’ criteria. If housing providers are unaware that an applicant is serving or has served in the Armed Forces, they may be less able to identify how Service may have affected their circumstances. This can make it more difficult for members of the Armed Forces community to access appropriate housing support compared to civilians.

What was done to help?

Wigan and Leigh Housing updated its housing application forms to include the question: ‘If you or your partner are serving or have formerly served in the Armed Forces, please provide details of your service number’. This enabled the organisation to identify members of the Armed Forces community when they apply for housing services.

What was the outcome?

Wigan and Leigh Housing improved its ability to identify members of the Armed Forces community accessing its housing services. This enabled the organisation to better support the needs of its applicants, ensuring that there is an awareness of the Armed Forces community.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Housing

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. MOD has developed the database to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It serves as a guide for effective Covenant delivery, offering practical insights into achieving fairness for the Armed Forces community. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.